CHAPTER 20-A GHOST FROM THE PAST

Anna's POV

The next morning, I walked Amyra to the school gate and waited until she disappeared inside with the other children. Teacher Lin was already standing near the entrance, folder in hand. She caught my eye and stepped closer.

“Ms. Li. Thank you for making time.”

I nodded once, fingers tightening around the strap of my bag. I could already guess what she wanted to talk to me about. “You wanted to speak about Amyra”, I asked calmly.

Teacher Lin’s voice stayed low. “She’s been participating well, but I’ve noticed she always more rest after longer activities. The interschool singing competition is in three weeks and she wants to join. I think it’s good for her, but I'm afraid rehearsal stretches would be too stressful for her to handle. I wanted you to know so you can decide.”

My chest tightened. I kept my face steady and swallowed once before answering. “If she wants to join the competition, then please let her. I'll speak with her and make sure she's careful. You can keep the rehearsals short. Thank you for telling me.”

Teacher Lin gave a small nod. The careful look remained. I thanked her again and turned away before the pressure behind my ribs could climb higher.

Amyra's condition isn't known yet to her school and home room teacher. I didn't see the need to tell them because I didn't want any special treatment out of pity for my child. But for how long would I be able to keep this hidden?.

Why does my baby have to suffer this much?. This thoughts overwhelmed my heart as I walked through the street.

I had only walked two streets when I saw him, Daniel.

He stood outside a café with a woman I did not know. Her hand rested lightly on his arm. He was smiling the same easy smile I used to know. The three years rose without permission…shared apartments, late conversations, unfulfilled promises, the quiet way he had ended it with someone else already waiting. My steps slowed as my fingers curled hard around the phone in my pocket.

He did not look in my direction.

I forced my hand open, drew one slow breath, and kept walking. The old ache was still there, but it no longer had the power to stop me. I did not call his name. I did not wait for him to notice. The past stayed where it belonged.

By the time I reached Mo Ting Global the morning was already moving at full speed. I had just set my bag down in my office when the intercom crackled.

“Ms. Li. Report to Mr. Mo Ting’s office with your laptop and the current Eco-City files Immediately”

I closed the open document, pulled the required folders onto a drive, and slipped the laptop under my arm. My pulse sat high in my throat. Meetings with Andreas never waited.

My personal phone rang just before I reached the door.

Caller ID:Mom

I answered on the second ring.

“Anna…” Her voice was tight, almost breaking. “The loan people are here. At the boutique. They’re saying if we don’t settle today they’ll make a scene in front of the customers. Papa is trying to talk to them but…”

The rest of the sentence dissolved under the sudden roar in my ears. My free hand clenched around the edge of the desk tightly. Andreas was waiting. The files were in my hand. The intercom instruction still hung in the air.

I looked at the laptop, then at the phone.

“I’m coming,” I said. “Don’t say anything. I’m on my way.”

I ended the call, shoved the phone into my pocket, and walked out of the office with the laptop still under my arm. Emily was crossing the open floor with a tablet. She took one look at my face and changed direction.

“Anna?”

“Family emergency.” The words came out flat. “I have to leave.”

She fell into step beside me toward the elevators. “Does he know?”

“Not yet.”

The elevator doors opened. I stepped inside. Emily followed.

The past no longer controlled me, but my family’s present crisis did.

Andreas was still in the waiting room for the meeting but I couldn't care much about that now, my family came first.